Chan Lowe: Obama's inaugural speech

cartoon by Chan Lowe, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Obama's inaugural speech

Obama's inaugural speech

Chan Lowe

Barack Obama tossed off an inaugural speech the other day as if he had nothing to lose. Actually, he has nothing to lose, unless he wants to pull a John Quincy Adams and run for the U.S. House after he’s finished being president. But Adams did that back before presidents had lifetime pensions, expense accounts and shrines (excuse me, “libraries”) to build to themselves to occupy their time.

Anyway, George W. Bush won his reelection by a smaller margin than Obama, but did not shrink from calling it a mandate and governed accordingly. Therefore, let’s not hear any more accusations from disgruntled Republicans that Obama is taking his victory and using it as a pretext to lead. As Mitt Romney liked to say, “What’s sauce for the goose…” Actually, Romney admitted that he wasn’t even going to watch the inaugural ceremonies on TV, which gives us a more accurate sense of the greatness of spirit of the man we almost elected. So let’s ignore him.

A lot of what Obama said—about gay rights, the environment and gun control—represents a popular wave. He’s riding the crest of it, and it’s one that Republicans will resist in the coming years at their peril. The stuff about Social Security, health care, and other government programs is a combination of throwing down the gauntlet and attempting to convince those Republicans who are not complete extremists that the tide is changing, and that reliance on the tea party is already becoming more of a liability than an asset (hear that, Mr. Rubio?).

He offered his adversaries a chance to get on board now, and he coupled it with a new resoluteness, making it clear that if the gears of government seize up, he doesn’t intend to be the one to get the blame.

If he succeeds with this strategy, he will leave a lasting legacy. And, if he fails—as we’ve already said, he has nothing to lose. In politics, that’s considered a pretty strong hand.